“Medicare Quick Bites” is your weekly treat of Medicare information. Hawaii SHIP has created these bite-sized lessons to help you understand this complex federal health insurance, thus “Making Medicare Digestible!” Follow us on Facebook or Twitter to get your weekly delivery of Medicare Quick Bites! This week’s treat is Preferred Provider Organization or “PPO,” another type of Part C – Medicare Advantage Plan.
Unlike HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations), PPOs don’t limit members to in-network providers. Costs for care and services from in-network or “preferred” providers are usually lower than out-of-network providers. It’s important to note that out-of-network providers must agree to treat you and haven’t opted out of Medicare Parts A and B items and services. Always check with the plan for details. Emergency and urgent care are always covered.
